Mount Baldy in the Snow

I decided to embark on a new hiking challenge, I had never before faced before, which was to hike up Mount Baldy in the snow. This was during May, in the late winter snow season. I had no idea the snow would be knee-deep in areas. I was not ready for mountaineering, but had all the right gear for a snow hike. This was a new challenge to face, and challenge was accepted. I was excited to attempt Mt Baldy in the snow, using my best judgment of course. 

I recently met a new friend, and hiking buddy, who would be joining me for this trip up Mount Baldy. She obtained some micro-spikes and was prepared to give it a try. Having been up to the summit of Mt Baldy six times before, I was not concerned if she could make it. This would be my third time hiking up this popular alpine peak, a mere hours’ drive from Orange County.

We planned to begin the hike around 7 am at Manker Flats. The Adventure Sisters, a group of badass hiking women I recently joined, were all taking on Baldy today. It was a Mother’s Day weekend theme, and the idea was to celebrate mom, by hiking in a dress. I had just joined the group, so this was my first official hike with them, though everyone was hiking in their own small groups.

We met up with a few of the Adventure Sisters at the trailhead, and from there, everyone split up into smaller groups. We would be a group of two today. Most of the ladies in the group had donned their best hiking tutu paired with puffy jackets for the occasion. 

We headed up the paved first half mile of fire road and I could see snow-capped Mount Baldy in the distance.

We reached beautiful cascading San Antonio Falls to our left, flowing at full capacity with all the snowmelt. We debated potentially hiking down to the falls, another quarter mile or so, but decided bagging the peak was the priority. We could always get a closer look on the way back.

After admiring the waterfall for a few minutes, we continued on Baldy Road, which changed from a paved one to dirt which was strewn with shattered rocks and boulders. There are steeply pitched mountainsides here, and rockslides are common.  

We reached the turnoff for Ski Hut Trail and Baldy Bowl. We would not be taking the more technical “bowl” or register ridge today. We would be sticking to the popular, and snow-free Ski Hut Trail.

After scrolling through and monitoring trail reports all week, both in hiking groups and on Alltrails, it seemed the trail would be mostly snow-free. Getting as much beta as possible is an important thing for me, whenever potentially hazardous conditions are involved, such as snow, ice, and avalanches.

I knew that the way to Ski Hut trail had just recently become clear of snow, with just a few days. The trail conditions after the Ski Hut were a mystery. So I knew I had to be prepared for anything. I had winter gear, gaiters, and microspikes because turning back was the last resort. Whenever I am committed, the only reason I turn around is either because of my turnaround time, or dangerous conditions. 

Judging from the people heading up the trail in trailrunners, and tank tops, I assumed this would be smooth sailing. It was hard to tell how much of the trail would involve snow patches or ice.

The scenery was absolutely breathtaking on the way up to the hut. Snow was still clinging to the distant hillsides. Upper San Antonio falls dynamic, and loudly roaring down the mountain.

We came to a section of trail which split off in two directions. One way went up the mountain, and another across a patch of snow. One was the real trail, and the other a social trail. It was hard to tell which was which though. Knowing that even a small section of snow can be hazardous, my hiking partner opted to find a way around, hiking uphill further to avoid it. I crossed it quickly realizing it was probably a social trail. 

Rather than backtrack I hiked back up a steep hill to reconnect with the trail. The trail I took was likely leading to the water source, and the falls. Social trails can mess you up, getting you turned around, even on hikes like this, where there is just one defined trail.

The snow was unavoidable even further up the hill, and my hiking partner had to cross it anyway, just further up the slope. But this would be the only snow we would encounter all the way to the ski hut.

After about 2 miles of climbing and 2000 feet of gain, we were at the historic ski hut. There was quite a crowd gathered around. I decided to peek inside the pit toilet behind the hut which was swarming with flies. I quickly turned around, since it was disgusting. The woods seemed like the more sanitary option.

I peeked inside the hut and noticed a small group inside chatting. We took turns posing by the hut and sitting in the wooden stump chairs, before a snack break. I put on my microspikes since the snow was covering the mountain from here on out.

There was a snow bridge over the creek, about 4-5 feet high. I crossed it, while fully knowing it was sketchy. My companion was not able to do it. She was afraid it would collapse. When fear has you in its grip, and you’re not confident, sometimes turning around is the best option.

After debating whether I go with her, or continue on, she assured me she would be just fine, hiking 2 miles back to her car. It was an unexpected ending to our hike. I was excited to hike in the snow and challenge myself, snow bridge or not. I rationalized this was the only crossing of the kind since I did not remember any other creeks further uphill.

Next up was the section where you cross in front of the bowl, strewn with hefty, humongous boulders. There was snow all around and in between them. At first, there was a mix of snow patches and rock, making me debate whether to wear my microspikes.

But within a few more minutes of hiking, it was clear, the hillsides up ahead were covered in a thick blanket of snow, with just a few areas melted off.

After crossing the boulder field and bowl, I headed into the woods, and it began to get steep. I took great care, making sure each step was firm. I was sure to maintain three points of contact, using trekking poles sunk into the snow for added stability.

One thing was uncertain, and that was how long the snow would remain firm, versus turn into slush. I could not tell how deep it was, nor could I tell if any of these thick slabs of snow were about to slide down the mountain. Also, there was not a defined trail, and there were footprints everywhere.

After I climbed the first steep snowy hill, I reached a saddle. Here, there was a small patch of trail that was snow-free, and I removed my microspikes.

There were areas which got full sun and the snow had melted off. But after about 5 more minutes of hiking, I had to put them back on.

I soon reached knee-deep snow, which had changed into suncups, a phenomenon caused by snowmelt. They make traveling in snow more arduous since you have to step up and over them. The deeper they become the tougher it is.

As I hiked on, the trail seemed to get lost. I knew I was hiking amongst the brambles and boulders, but they were covered. The trail became increasingly steep, and the suncups ever deeper.

I remembered hiking down this section when it was dry, slipping and sliding down.

I remembered vowing to never again go down the ski hut trail. Would that be the way I would go back today? I hoped not.

As I hiked on I noticed a group of hikers making food, amongst some boulders. I made a joke that I wanted some cocoa, and they offered a taquito. It was an odd place to be cooking for sure, but why not. My guess was they started early, and this was lunch.

It was the true test of my endurance, getting up that last mile amid deep snow.

I recognized a few of the Adventure Sisters as they hiked past and they queued me in on a celebratory tequila party on the summit. I did not need alcohol to motivate me. But would I pass it up?

It took far longer than I imagined to reach the barren slopes I remember. 

There were scattered pines dotting the mountainside, up the steep grade on the way to the summit.

The last few hundred feet, many groups of hikers passed, jogging down, assuring me I was almost there. I could tell I had made it, but I needed to keep going, to the snowy summit.

The entire mountaintop was still snowy.

Finally, the rock pile, metal signs, and cluster of hikers around it were visible. Thankfully the tequila party was over. I needed all my energy for the hike back.

This was a true milestone, hiking up Mt Baldy, with about half the distance being through the snow.

I felt very accomplished in my goal, despite having gone slower than the group. Slow and steady wins the race, I always say.

When I am challenging myself I become more resilient. Whether you’re hiking amongst one other person, twenty, or none, you are still the one doing the work. If you can’t motivate yourself to stick with it, then you fail. But if you continue, and struggle on through, you gain resilience.

I know that it is true, that resilience is created when we go through difficulties in life. I know that trials are put before you, but I am never left alone to suffer.

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

2 Corinthians 4:7

After a few celebratory photos and conversations with a few of the dozen hikers up top, I had a decision to make. I had inquired with a few people coming up the backbone about the conditions.

Both groups said pretty much the same thing, that it was mostly clear, and the most sketchy parts were snow-free.

So off I went down my favorite section of this hike, with awesome views in all directions, making my way through the barren ridge towards the notch. 

There were some patches of snow still, and I put on my microspikes whenever needed. 

Off to my right, in the bowl, I saw a figure skiing down. I imagined the confidence and skill needed for such a feat.

There is one particularly narrow ledge you must pass, with crumbly granite, and a rock chute below it. This is the one part of the backbone that to me qualifies as sketchy. Every other part of it just requires common sense, to stay on trail. I always hold my breath on this part.

Off to the left were steeply pitched slopes still covered in huge slabs of wintry white.

Plenty of hikers were coming up and going back down.

The way was clear and it did not seem as treacherous as the ski hut trail by any means. I was not doubting my decision to head back this way.

The snow covered peaks of Thunder Mountain, Telegraph Peak, Timber Mountain, Ontario, and Cucamonga were in the distance.

I love the contrast of a distant desert valley versus snow.

I passed a few more patches of snow, but it was they were short.

I arrived at the first chair lifts, stopping for a moment to rest and stretch out of the large wide concrete footing. A few others were also resting here, enjoying the view.

I was almost to the notch when I encountered some big piles of snow to wade through. After the last two patches, the trail became snow-free, all the way to the notch, and chairlifts. The Notch Restaurant is something I have thought about visiting on many occasions but decided today was not the day. 

Fueling on Trail

I had eaten plenty of snacks and fuel already. On big hike days I still carb up early, and eat a full breakfast, before the hike. Today it was an egg and cheese sandwich on gluten-free bread, with a fruit smoothie. Sometimes it could be a pile of figs, a protein bar, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or anything that is filling to keep me going. This plan never seems to fail to provide sustained calories. As I hike, I usually snack on electrolyte tabs, bolt gummies, and fruit bars. 

As I headed down Baldy Road I noticed I had clocked over 10 miles already. It would be a 12.5-mile day for me. I hiked the entire day, which is something I like to do at least once a month. I love my long day hikes, and Mt Baldy is one of the places I could go just about any day. It’s a place I have come to know, and I feel at home there. 

Whether it’s Icehouse Canyon, hiking to the Baldy Notch, the Ski Hut and back, or Cucamonga Peak, I love the wilderness area around Mt Baldy. This is a place I will go, without much planning, and it’s not a far drive, so I will return here as many times as I can every year, to get my much-needed dose of wilderness therapy.

Until next time Mt Baldy!

I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.

About me

I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!

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